PhD Position
Behavioural ecology and sociogenetics in Bechstein's bats
We offer a PhD position to study the behavioural ecology and genetic
population structure of free ranging Bechstein's bats in Germany and
Switzerland. The project is situated at the interface of sociobiology
and conservation biology (Myotis bechsteinii is an endangered species).

We aim to evaluate the role of cooperative behaviour in structuring and
stabilising maternity colonies in female Bechstein's bats. Methods will
include behavioural observation (video tracking), automatised data
acquisition (PIT-tag system), radio telemetry, as well as molecular
genetic methods. Our field sites are situated in southern Germany and
northern Switzerland. Lab work will be done in Zürich. Office space and
infra-structure, laboratory capacity, technical assistance and
experimental equipment are readily available in a group encompassing
ongoing projects in rodent social and reproductive biology, house mice
physiological development, and ungulate behavioural ecology.

Potential applicants should be aware that the research will involve
experimentation, and working in the field (sometimes at night).
Experience in using modern techniques of molecular population analyses
in the lab would be advantageous.

The position is funded by the 'Schweizerischer Nationalfonds' for 3
years, with potential 1 year extension, and is entitled to an
approximate annual salary of CHF 30,000.

Applications should consist of a CV, publication list and/or thesis
work, and name(s) of potential referees. They will be evaluated from
24th of April 2000, and the position will be filled asap.

ZOOLOGISCHES INSTITUT DER UNIVERSITÄT ZÜRICH VERHALTENSBIOLOGIE
PhD Position
Dispersal and social coping in house mice
The PhD project will focus on the behavioural and physiological
development and determination of social coping and dispersal propensity
in wild-derived house mice (Mus musculus domesticus). Experiments will
consist of taking psychonomic and endocrinologic measures in
standardised tests, and of behavioural observations in semi-natural
indoor-enclosures. Methods will include behavioural observation,
automatised data acquisition (transponder system, video tracking),
computerised data analysis (image analysis, SAS), steroid hormone
essaying (in collaboration with external institutes), and microsatellite
typing (optional). Animals are bred and kept in a modern breeding
facility. Ample office space and infra-structure, laboratory capacity
and technical assistance, and experimental equipment are readily
available in a group encompassing ongoing projects in rodent social and
reproductive biology, bat molecular population biology, and ungulate
behavioural ecology.

Potential applicants should be aware of wild house mouse experimentation
and maintenance inferring some skills in handling 'non-cooperative'
rodents, and blood sampling as well as sacrificing animals will be
required for parts of the project.
The position is funded by 'Schweizerischer Nationalfonds' for 3 years,
with potential 1 year extension, and is entitled to an approximate
annual salary of CHF 30,000.

Applications should consist of a CV, publication list and/or thesis
work, and name(s) of potential referees. They will be evaluated from
14th of April 2000, and the position will be filled asap.